The Egyptian Government replaced the existing Naga Hammadi barrage with a new barrage to incorporate a hydropower plant, and to improve conditions for river traffic. This structure increases the water surface levels. This increase in river water levels, both locally near the new barrage and upstream, will result in changes in groundwater levels in the aquifer system up and downstream of the barrages. Systems are proposed for lowering the groundwater levels.
In this paper, an area is chosen which suffers from a high groundwater level to show the problem and the alternatives for lowering the groundwater level. The study area is an area affected by the New Naga Hammadi Barrage called Bakhaness with net area 1358fed. Bakhaness area is located some 1.5km south of the New Naga Hammadi Barrage. Through this study a computer model (MicroFEM) has been used to simulate the groundwater level in a region of Naga Hammadi before and after construction of the New Naga Hammadi Barrage. Alternatives for lowering the groundwater are proposed simulated and evaluated. The systems which are assessed are the construction of a sewer system, system of perforated pipes in urban areas, and tile drainage with different efficiency in agricultural areas.